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Kantar TNS says the raft of closures - which a recent survey by Which? found has hit Scotland the hardest in the UK - could have a significant impact on customer numbers.

According to its survey of 1,102 Scottish adults aged 16 and above, the value of having a local bank branch remains clear, even as online and mobile banking become increasingly popular.

It found 44 per cent would opt to manage their accounts using their existing online banking services while 19 per cent would do so on their mobile phone.

But 21 per cent said they would switch provider altogether - considerably more than the nine per cent who would use post office banking facilities and the seven per cent who would use a mobile branch.

It also found that having access to face-to-face financial advice is more important to three quarters of consumers aged 16 to 34 than over 55s (63 per cent).

Jim Eccleston, Director at Kantar TNS, said “The rate of account switching stood at 11% last year, but our research suggests this could almost double among those faced with their bank closing. This could have significant repercussions for those banks which are planning to close a number of branches across the country.

“Some 83% of respondents said it was important that their bank provided a branch that they could easily visit and over half use a branch to access their main current account meaning accessible branches are still a key selling point. And, with 37% of customers in Scotland using their local branch at least once a month, it’s clear to see why there’s been such a furore over the proposed closures.”

He added: “More than half of customers are still using branches for traditional services such as depositing money and paying in cheques, but we know that cash and cheques are both in decline, making the long-term sustainability of branches questionable. However, it’s clearly important to young people that they can access face-to-face guidance on financial matters so while mobile is becoming the accepted channel for transactional services, banks must be able to fulfil the need for personalised advice or they may be missing opportunities for customer retention and growth.”

An FSB Scotland spokesman said: "It is pleasing to hear that consumers are prepared to vote with their feet and move their bank accounts to an institution that's kept up a local presence."

"All the major banks are closing branches but that sort of tactic will only get so far.

"What's clear is that many people are quite comfortable using online banking and mobile apps for day to day banking but they still want the option of using a branch and getting face-to-face advice."

What the research found:

How important is it to you that your bank provides a branch that's easy to visit?

Based on a survey of 1,102 adults in Scotland by Kantar TNS UK

How important is to you that your bank provides face-to-face financial advice?

Based on a survey of 1,102 adults in Scotland by Kantar TNS UK

How important is it to you that your bank provides 24 hour phone and online facilities